Lucille Simonson Barant, 85

July 30, 2012

Lucille Alice Simonson Barant was born to Simon T. and Helen L. Stewart Simonson Feb. 24, 1927, on her parent's ranch north and west of Mullen in Cherry country. Lucille departed this life July 26, 2012, in North Platte.
Lucille was the youngest child and was adored by her sister Allegra and brother Bill.
Lucille grew up on the ranch, graduated from Mullen High School, attended Normal training and taught school for a few years. August 18, 1946, she married Stan Barent in a double ceremony with her sister Allegra and Dewayne Buechler in the front yard of their parent's ranch.
Stan rodeoed and Lucille timed at rodeos for many years. She was a bright spot in many crow's nest. She followed the events on television later in life with the PBR being one of her favorites. Her television was set permanently on that channel so she would not miss it! For many years Lucille was the friendly face of the Avon Lady and perfume, as well as the color purple, was a signature of hers.
Lucille was known as "Aunt Ceile" to many over the years and her nieces and nephews were another of her passions. Lucille also loved animals and adopted baby pigs, turkeys, geese, and deer; but cats were her favorite and she almost always had one as a pet.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her four siblings and her beloved Stan.
She is survived by sisters-in-law, Laura Simonson and Lavina Sevier; brothers-in-law Tuffy Barent and Boyd Barent; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well a host of friends and neighbors. She will be missed.
Memorials may be given to the Seneca Cemetery, Mullen High School Rodeo Club or Thedford High School Rodeo Club.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at 11 a.m. MDT at the Seneca Auditorium in Seneca. Visitation will be Monday at the Mullen Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. MDT.